2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. (NKJV)

I once counted up the times that I have moved through my life — a total of 35. That meant moving everything — pets, books, dishes, furniture — sometimes to another country, city, province, or state — changing mailing addresses and saying goodbye to friends, neighbours, and gardens. Some of those moves took place when I was old enough to be only a hindrance. Never once did I want to leave where I was, but very quickly, I became a reluctant expert at packing, carrying, and unpacking, then re-establishing my daily routine in yet another location.

But in all the disruptions, my daily spiritual routine in the morning has equipped me, then and now, to be of maximum service to God and those around me. This means Scripture reading, prayer, and meditation when I get up — when I consciously turn over my life and will to God for the day — then listening for and responding to spiritual nudges that come along. These exercises continually equip me to live the only real life, the spiritual one with God, eternal not just in the heavens, but right here and now.

The equipping also comes through experiencing the sorrow, loss, and pain of this world. Since I've begun to see the blessings that are always present as I go through the waters and the fires, I have even ceased to struggle. "I've been there," I can say to another. I'm continually enabled to see this equipping for what it is — the only way to grow in the Spirit.

All the hard things that we are up against bring us into the sunlight of the Spirit, ours to share. For sure, we cannot keep our faith unless we give it away. If our climb is all uphill, that is often a good indication that we are on the right path. God has equipped us for climbing our mountains, and He goes with us every inch of the way.

Jeremiah 29:11b – This message is from the Lord. "I have good plans for you. I don't plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future." (Easy-to-Read Version)

Prayer: Thank You for all the blessings that come to us as we take up our journey. We thank You even for our problems and troubles, dear heavenly Father, since they turn us to You. Keep us aware of Your presence in everything that we say and do. How grateful we are that You alone ensure that we are well prepared and fully equipped to meet every necessity, and You see us through the complicated and stressful days of this time in our world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rose DeShaw <rise370@gmail.com>
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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